17th Avenue South Beach takes its name from its position at the western terminus of 17th Avenue South in Old Naples, representing one of 40 public beach access points the City of Naples maintains along nearly nine miles of Gulf coastline ensuring democratic shoreline access. Naples received its Italian-inspired name in the 1880s when founders Walter N. Haldeman and Roger Gordon observed the bay's striking resemblance to the Bay of Naples in Italy, establishing the Mediterranean character visible in the community's architecture, street names, and cultural identity. The January 7, 1927 arrival of the Orange Blossom Special train at Naples Seaboard Air Line Passenger Station connected the remote Gulf Coast settlement to America's rail network, transforming Naples from frontier outpost into fashionable winter destination for wealthy northeastern visitors seeking subtropical sunshine. The systematic grid of avenue beach accesses between 7th Avenue North and 19th Avenue South preserves public Gulf entry despite surrounding Old Naples real estate values among Southwest Florida's highest. Recent infrastructure improvements including new seawall construction at the 17th Avenue South beach end ensure continued public access preservation for future generations along Collier County's pristine Gulf shoreline.
Swimming in calm Gulf waters provides year-round recreation on soft white sand beaches characteristic of Naples' internationally recognized coastline. Sunbathing attracts beachgoers enjoying gentle waves and spectacular sunset views that established Naples' reputation among premier Gulf Coast destinations. Shelling along waterlines reveals fighting conchs, olive shells, lightning whelks, sand dollars, and occasional rare specimens deposited by tides and Gulf currents. Beach walking connects the 17th Avenue South access to adjacent public entry points, allowing extended shoreline exploration through Old Naples' prestigious beachfront neighborhood featuring multimillion-dollar estates. Surf fishing accommodates anglers casting for pompano, whiting, redfish, Spanish mackerel, and seasonal tarpon from the sandy beach. The residential access point maintains peaceful atmosphere compared to busier commercial beach areas near Naples Pier, appealing to visitors preferring quieter Gulf experiences away from tourist crowds. Consistent Southwest Florida climate supports beach activities throughout the year, with warm winter temperatures attracting seasonal residents and establishing Naples as a year-round coastal destination.
Rhodes End specializes in Mediterranean beachfront dining with Greek island-reminiscent setting, serving grilled dishes with stunning Gulf sunset panoramas from outdoor seating areas. Gumbo Limbo at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort offers casual open-air beachside dining with panoramic Gulf views and fresh seafood from local waters. T-Michaels provides sophisticated Venetian Bay waterfront dining featuring prime steaks and fresh Gulf seafood with stunning bay vistas and yacht watching. M Waterfront Grille serves contemporary American cuisine in upscale atmosphere overlooking Venetian Bay. The Turtle Club Restaurant at Vanderbilt Beach Resort delivers beachfront dining with feet-in-sand tables under stars featuring fresh seafood and steaks. These waterfront establishments showcase Naples' culinary excellence complementing world-class shopping on 5th Avenue South, cultural offerings at Naples Philharmonic and Baker Museum, championship golf courses, and natural beauty establishing Naples as Southwest Florida's premier luxury Gulf Coast community.
